Kara McGinley is a senior editor and licensed home insurance expert at Policygenius, where she writes about homeowners and renters insurance. As a journalist and as an insurance expert, her work and insights have been featured in Kiplinger, Lifehacker, MSN, WRAL.com, and elsewhere.
Pat Howard is a managing editor and licensed home insurance expert at Policygenius, where he specializes in homeowners insurance. His work and expertise has been featured in MarketWatch, Real Simple, Fox Business, VentureBeat, This Old House, Investopedia, Fatherly, Lifehacker, Better Homes & Garden, Property Casualty 360, and elsewhere.
Jennifer Gimbel is a senior managing editor and home insurance expert at Policygenius, where she oversees our homeowners insurance coverage. Previously, she was the managing editor at Finder.com and a content strategist at Babble.com.
Expert reviewed
Expert reviewed
This article has been reviewed by a licensed Policygenius expert to ensure that sources, statistics, and claims meet our standard for accurate and unbiased advice.
Fabio Faschi is a licensed property and casualty insurance agent. His expertise on home and auto insurance has been featured on Forbes, Consumer Affairs, Realtor.com, Apartment Therapy, SFGATE, Bankrate, and Lifehacker.
Updated
Compare home insurance quotes from top companies
Homeowners insurance isn’t one size fits all. By comparing multiple home insurance quotes, you can make sure you find a policy that checks all of your boxes — whether you're looking for the lowest rate, widest coverage offerings, excellent customer service, or all of the above.
Our Policygenius ratings consider each company's strengths and weaknesses in these areas and more to help you make a more informed purchasing decision. And it works! Policygenius customers save an average of 30% on homeowners insurance while also securing the best coverage for their needs.
Comparing home insurance quotes is more than just choosing the company with the cheapest rates or highest coverage limits. We break down specific factors to look at when comparing your options to make sure you’re spending your money on a home insurance policy that checks all of your boxes.
1. Answer a few questions to get free home insurance quotes through Policygenius
To get home insurance quotes through Policygenius, you’ll first need to provide a few details about:
Where you live
Answer a couple of simple questions, like what your address is and how many bedrooms you have.
Your home's structure
Don't know your roof style or foundation type? No worries. We'll help you fill in the details.
Yourself
A quick check on things like your date of birth and marital status to get the ball rolling and tailor your quotes.
You can typically find this information on the declaration page of your current home insurance policy. A Policygenius agent can also walk you through how to find these details if you’ve misplaced your old policy or are buying insurance for the first time.
2. Compare coverage limits and additional coverage you may need
Once you get your quotes, you’ll want to look at the coverage limits you’ve been quoted — paying close attention to how your home, belongings, and personal liability are protected.
Dwelling coverage
Your dwelling coverage should be set at your home’s replacement cost, meaning the amount it would cost to rebuild your home from the ground up. This is different from your home’s market value, which is how much it would sell for on the housing market.
You’ll also want to consider whether your dwelling coverage includes extended or guaranteed replacement cost coverage. Here's how each breaks down:
Extended replacement cost coverage
Increases your coverage limits by 25% to 50% to offset any rise in construction or labor costs that can happen after a natural disaster
Likewise, you’ll want to look at how your personal property is covered — and whether depreciation will be factored into your claims payout. Here are your two options:
Actual cash value coverage
Subtracts the cost of age or wear and tear from your claim reimbursement, meaning you won't be able to replace your 5-year-old TV with a brand-new one
Next up, compare how much personal liability coverage each quote offers. This is the part of your policy that pays for legal, medical, and repair bills if someone is injured or their property is damaged and you’re found legally responsible.
Many standard home insurance companies only offer liability coverage up to $500,000. If this isn't enough, you might want to opt for the company that offers higher personal liability coverage limits or has umbrella coverage you can purchase as an add-on for extra protection.
Coverage add-ons
Finally, compare the coverage add-ons (also called endorsements) that each insurer offers to make sure you have all of the protection you need.
Here are a few examples of extra coverages you might want to consider:
Do you live in a state that experiences frequent earthquakes? Then you may want to go with the insurer that offers earthquake coverage.
Do you own a large dog? Then you might want to go with the dog-friendly insurer that doesn’t exclude coverage for certain types of dog breeds.
Do you have an older home with outdated appliances? Then you may want to opt for the company that offers equipment breakdown coverage.
The rate you’re quoted isn't necessarily the rate you'll end up paying. Oftentimes home insurance quotes don’t take into account discounts you might qualify for. Paying your policy up front for the year, bundling it with your auto insurance policy, or installing a new smart home security system could all translate to savings on your home insurance premiums.
This is why you shouldn’t just compare the rates you’re quoted, but also the different home insurance discounts available with each insurer. For example, a company that charges higher base rates, but offers a large discount when you bundle your home and auto policies, could be the cheaper way to go in the long run.
Another factor that weighs heavily on how much you ultimately pay for home insurance is the deductible you choose. This is the amount you have to pay out of pocket when you file a claim before your insurance kicks in to cover the rest. The higher your deductible, the cheaper your premiums will be — and vice versa.
4. Compare each company’s claims process, customer satisfaction scores, and financial strength
Last but certainly not least, you’ll want to compare each company’s customer satisfaction scores and financial strength. In other words: Make sure they’re good at handling claims and have the money to pay them out.
Our Policygenius ratings can help you do this. They factor in claims satisfaction, customer complaint scores, and financial strength ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best, and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. You can find each home insurance company’s Policygenius rating on their individual reviews listed here.
Claims satisfaction is actually the most important factor customers look at when comparing insurance companies. Our recent nationwide survey found that nearly 25% of homeowners care the most about an insurer’s claims satisfaction scores, followed by the ability to bundle home and auto policies together (22%) and high customer review scores (15%).
Example of comparing home insurance quotes
Here's an example of two quotes you might get for home insurance coverage and how to compare them.
Annual premium: $2,035
Dwelling coverage: $300,000 with extended replacement coverage
Personal property coverage: $150,000 with actual cash value coverage
Personal liability coverage: $500,000
Standard deductible: $2,000
Wind/hail deductible: 3% of dwelling coverage ($9,000)
Annual premium: $2,627
Dwelling coverage: $300,000 with guaranteed replacement coverage
Personal property coverage: $150,000 with replacement cost coverage
Personal liability coverage: $500,000
Standard deductible: $500
Wind/hail deductible: 5% of dwelling coverage ($15,000)
Quotes are used for illustrative purposes only. Actual rates and coverage limits will vary by customer.
Looking at the two fictional quotes above, you can see that while State Farm has higher premiums than Allstate, you only have to pay $500 when you file a standard claim — versus $2,000 with Allstate.
You'll also notice that both State Farm and Allstate have the same coverage limits for your dwelling and personal property. However, State Farm's quote comes with more comprehensive protection in the form of guaranteed replacement cost coverage for your house and replacement cost coverage for your belongings.
Comparing all of these different coverage types and limits can help you determine which quote makes the most sense for your needs and budget.
What you'll need to get a home insurance quote
When getting a home insurance quote, have this information on-hand to make the process faster:
The size and age of your home. Insurers will want to know your home's square footage and the year it was built.
Names, relation, and ages of residents. Home insurance liability coverage protects you and family members that live in your home. An insurer may require you to provide names, ages, and your relationship for those who live in the home.
Age and type of roof. Insurers will want to know how old your roof is and what materials it is made out of. If you have a newer roof with updated materials, you may see lower rates.
Your home insurance and claims history. If you previously had insurance on your home, your new insurer may ask you how long you were insured for and if you filed any claims in the past.
Number and breed of pets. Some insurers may exclude coverage for certain dog breeds. You'll need to disclose if you have any pets and what their breed is.
Improvements and renovations. If you recently made home improvements, renovated a part of your house, or built an addition, you'll need to let your insurance company know — as this may affect your home's rebuild value.
Safety devices. You may be able to score a discount if you installed safety devices, like a smart home alarm system. Let your insurer know if your home is equipped with any sort of safety device, including deadbolt locks and fire alarms.
The latest research & surveys from Policygenius
Home Insurance Pricing Report
Costs are up nationwide, with homeowners in some states seeing premiums rising at more than double the rate of inflation.
The average cost of homeowners insurance is $1,899 per year or $158 per month, according to a 2022 Policygenius analysis of sample rates provided by Quadrant Information Services.
The amount of coverage you have in your policy is the biggest factor in determining how much you pay for home insurance. Higher limits of dwelling and liability coverage, extended protection for your home and belongings, and additional coverage endorsements can all mean higher rates.
Compare home insurance rates by coverage amount
When comparing quotes, you'll want to pay close attention to your dwelling coverage amount. Remember, this should be equal to the amount it would cost to rebuild your home from the ground up. In general, the more dwelling coverage you have, the more you'll pay for home insurance.
Here’s a look at the average national rate for different levels of dwelling coverage:
Coverage amount
Average annual cost
$100,000
$946
$200,000
$1,442
$300,000
$1,899
$400,000
$2,481
$500,000
$3,006
Expert advice for choosing the right coverage
“Your dwelling coverage amount should equal your home's replacement cost — not the purchase price or market value. Policygenius can calculate this for you and make sure your quotes are based on the right amount of coverage.”
— Pat Howard, Licensed Insurance Expert
Compare home insurance rates by state
Location also plays a huge role in home insurance rates. If the area where you live experiences frequent tornadoes or hurricanes, you’ll probably pay more for your policy.
Choose your state from the dropdown below to see how much home insurance costs where you live.
Avg. annual premium:
Average annual premium:
$_____
Estimate your home insurance cost
Select your state to see the average homeowners insurance rate
Even homeowners in the same city can see largely different rates based on what ZIP code they live in and its crime rate, claims history, and wildfire risk.
What types of homeowners insurance coverages are included in a quote?
Here’s a more detailed look at the different coverages included in every homeowners insurance policy purchased through Policygenius and what each protects you against.
Dwelling coverage
Pays for damage to the structure of your home, like your roof or attached garage
There are several different types of homeowners insurance policies, and which one you need will depend on the type of home you have. A condo-owner doesn't need the same type of home insurance policy as a single-family house owner, for instance.
Below are three different kinds of home insurance policies.
HO-3 Special Form: The most common form of homeowners insurance that protects single-family homes, an HO-3 policy contains six basic protectionsand insures your home at its replacement cost and personal property at its actual cash value.
HO-6 Unit-owners Form: Also called condo insurance, this type of policy is designed for condo or co-op owners. Because condos and co-ops have homeowners insurance associations (HOAs), how much dwelling coverage you need will depend on your HOA's master policy. Condo insurance also includes personal property coverage, loss of use coverage, loss assessment coverage, and personal liability coverage.
HO-7 Mobile Home Form: This type of homeowners policy is essentially the same coverage as an HO-3 policy, but it's meant for mobile homeowners — including modular and manufactured homes.
Most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage to your home or belongings that’s caused by earthquakes or floods, but you can purchase additional coverage or compare standalone insurance policies to make sure you're protected.
Flood insurance
Homeowners insurance never includes coverage for damage caused by flooding. The agents at Policygenius can help you compare quotes from private flood insurers or help get you set up with a flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) — a FEMA-backed program.
Earthquake insurance
Homeowners insurance also doesn’t cover earthquake damage. Depending on the insurance company, you may be able to add earthquake coverage to your main homeowners insurance policy with an endorsement, or you may need to purchase a separate standalone earthquake insurance policy. Policygenius can help you compare quotes from insurers that offer earthquake endorsements, or help you purchase a separate policy.
Shoppers have saved an average of 30% on their home insurance
Homeowners insurance is a form of property insurance that protects your home and personal belongings in the event they're destroyed by a covered loss, like a fire or windstorm. It can also protect your assets in the event you're found legally responsible for someone's injury or damage to their property.
What is a home insurance quote?
A home insurance quote is an estimate of how much you’ll pay for a policy based on details about your home, credit score, claims history, and coverage limits. All insurance companies have their own way of calculating quotes, so premium estimates can vary widely across insurers.
How can I get a good deal on my home insurance?
You’ll want to compare quotes to choose the insurer and policy that offers the coverage you need at the most affordable cost. Look for companies that offer discounts, like money off for bundling your home and auto insurance.
How do I know how much home insurance I need?
Homeowners insurance coverage needs vary from homeowner to homeowner. In general, your coverage amounts should be high enough to cover your home’s rebuild cost (meaning the cost to rebuild it completely if it were destroyed), the monetary value of your personal belongings, and your combined assets. If you need flood or earthquake coverage, you’ll need to buy those separately.
Are there different homeowners insurance requirements by state?
No, homeowners insurance is not required by law in any state. However, most lenders will require proof of home insurance before you can close on a property.
Average savings of 30% per year on home insurance: Savings are determined by calculating the average difference between the lowest and second lowest home insurance policy estimates provided to shoppers with two or more estimates between 06/01/2020 and 05/18/2021. Potential savings are based on a composite of multiple different contracts and insurers. Not all policies in this calculation are available in all states, and availability may be based on eligibility. Savings may vary by policy amount and location.
Average home insurance cost: Policygenius has analyzed home insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services in March 2022 for ZIP codes in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., for a 40-year-old female homeowner with no claim history, good credit, a $1,000 deductible, and the following coverage limits:
Dwelling: $300,000
Other structures: $30,000
Personal property: $150,000
Loss of use: $60,000
Liability: $300,000
Medical: $1,000
All rates based on the above coverage limits except where otherwise noted.
Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.
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Meaning they do not call you 10 x per day, or email you continuously. As a matter of fact, they only bother you when they need something.
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They were great at keeping me informed on the status of my account. Easy process.
Customer
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Was a terrific experience and my agent led me straight through multiple options and helped me get an amazing price. Very impressed
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Kara McGinley is a senior editor and licensed home insurance expert at Policygenius, where she writes about homeowners and renters insurance. As a journalist and as an insurance expert, her work and insights have been featured in Kiplinger, Lifehacker, MSN, WRAL.com, and elsewhere.
Pat Howard is a managing editor and licensed home insurance expert at Policygenius, where he specializes in homeowners insurance. His work and expertise has been featured in MarketWatch, Real Simple, Fox Business, VentureBeat, This Old House, Investopedia, Fatherly, Lifehacker, Better Homes & Garden, Property Casualty 360, and elsewhere.
Jennifer Gimbel is a senior managing editor and home insurance expert at Policygenius, where she oversees our homeowners insurance coverage. Previously, she was the managing editor at Finder.com and a content strategist at Babble.com.
Fabio Faschi is a licensed property and casualty insurance agent. His expertise on home and auto insurance has been featured on Forbes, Consumer Affairs, Realtor.com, Apartment Therapy, SFGATE, Bankrate, and Lifehacker.
